Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become indispensable in the modern world, powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles. However, their high energy density and sensitivity to chemical changes make them vulnerable to even the smallest amounts of water. In fact, moisture contamination remains one of the most critical challenges in LIB manufacturing — often leading to reduced performance, safety risks, and shorter battery lifespan.

Moisture may seem harmless, but in the context of lithium-ion batteries, it can be a silent saboteur. A key component in these batteries is lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆), which is widely used as an electrolyte salt due to its excellent conductivity and compatibility with organic solvents. However, LiPF₆ is extremely reactive with water, even in trace amounts.

When exposed to moisture, LiPF₆ decomposes into PF₅ (phosphorus pentafluoride) and LiF (lithium fluoride). PF₅ further reacts with water to form hydrofluoric acid (HF) — a highly corrosive compound that can damage electrodes, separators, current collectors, and the battery casing. This reaction cycle often repeats, generating more HF and causing increased internal resistance, capacity loss, and even short circuits, ultimately reducing battery life and safety.

To mitigate these risks, moisture must be thoroughly removed from all battery components before assembly. This is where vacuum drying ovens play a critical role. By creating a low-pressure environment, these ovens reduce the boiling point of water, allowing moisture trapped within fine pores or complex material structures to evaporate at much lower temperatures. This process ensures that materials are completely dry without being subjected to excessive heat that could damage them. In battery manufacturing, vacuum drying is not only a quality step—it’s a necessity for safety and performance.

At PT Universal Labora Analitika, we provide a complete range of vacuum drying ovens from Yamato Scientific to meet diverse needs in laboratory and industrial settings. These ovens are essential for processes that require precise, uniform, and low-temperature drying—especially in sensitive applications like battery manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials.

The ADP Series is a compact, entry-level vacuum drying oven designed for small-scale operations and R&D applications. It features a stainless-steel chamber, PID temperature control, and stable vacuum performance, allowing for consistent and safe drying of delicate materials. The ADP Series also supports inert gas purging, such as nitrogen, to protect samples from oxidation or chemical reactions during drying. With its compact footprint and reliable operation, this series is widely used in research institutions, universities, and pilot production environments.

For greater capacity and control, the DP Series offers a robust solution for laboratories and production facilities requiring higher volumes. These models feature larger chamber sizes, enhanced vacuum sealing, and programmable temperature settings, making them ideal for drying battery electrodes, materials with complex geometries, or bulk sample batches. The DP Series provides precise and uniform heat distribution, ensuring that moisture is thoroughly removed even from deeper layers of the material.

For industrial users seeking automation and repeatability, Yamato offers the DP Series (Automatic). This series includes advanced control systems that enable fully automated drying cycles with minimal human intervention. Equipped with enhanced safety mechanisms, programmable logic, and real-time monitoring, the DP Automatic Series is designed for high-throughput environments such as battery production lines, where speed, consistency, and accuracy are critical. The automation capability reduces the potential for user error and increases overall efficiency in mass drying operations.

Each of these series—ADP, DP, and DP (Automatic)—has been developed with user safety, operational reliability, and performance efficiency in mind. Together, they offer comprehensive solutions for laboratories and industries looking to maintain high drying standards while eliminating even the smallest traces of moisture from critical materials.

To explore Yamato Scientific’s full range of vacuum drying ovens, please visit our product page.